Today I’ve rounded up more than 30 of my favorite bag sewing patterns. Most of them are free patterns. I have also included a section of bag patterns that you can buy.
If you’ve been a long time reader then you know that I love to make bags! I still remember the first bag I ever made. My twins were babies (so it was years ago). I remember struggling through those first steps to put the bag together. That overwhelming feeling that someone who is learning to sew sometimes gets.
Then all of the sudden a light bulb “clicked” on and I understood how to put the bag together. After that it was all downhill from there.
If you’ve not ever made a bag before, I encourage you to give it a try! They are fun to make and are perfect as handmade gifts.
30+ Bag Sewing Patterns:
Free Tote Bag Patterns on Polka Dot Chair Blog:
We have well over 1200 projects and tutorials on our site. Here are a few of our most popular bag patterns and tutorials.
Learn How to Make a Bag; A Simple Tote Bag Pattern
If you're looking for somehwere to start, this free tutorial is a great place. This simple tote bag features a strudy canvas bottom making it perfect for church or school.
Beach Bound Straw Tote Tutorial
This fun tote is made using stitchable straw. A bit of bling is added to the front with some hand beading. It's a bit more work but the result is totally worth it!
Oversized Beach Bag Sewing Pattern
If you need a GIANT bag to tote with you to the beach or pool, then you may love this oversized beach bag pattern. It's large enough to hold 2-3 beach towels PLUS all your other necessities.
Quilt Block Tote Bag Tutorial - Halloween Version!
Do you have some quilt blocks laying around that you don't know what to do with? Why not stitch them up into a fun tote bag. This version is made using some left over Halloween quilt blocks but you could easily swap it out for any season or quilt block.
How to Make a Drawstring Bag or Backpack
My kids love these simple drawstring backpacks. We usually make a new one for them each summer and they use them up and wear them out.
Cute & Simple Kids Library Bag Pattern
When we were kids we always used to lose our library books. When mine were younger I they had a "library" bag that they used JUST for thier books. It helped them to keep track of they borrowed each week.
How to Make a Drawstring Laundry Bag; a Fat Quarter Project
Tired of dirty laundry getting lost in your suitcase? Stitch up a special travel laundry bag to keep it seperate from your other (clean) clothing.
How to add Leather Straps to a Handbag
Many tote bag patterns feature straps sewn from farbric. If you'd like to add leather handles instead this tutorial will walk you through it step by step.
Laminated Drawstring Bag Tutorial
This cute makeup bag features a vinyl wipe off lining! Perfect for quick cleanup.
How to sew a Simple Tote Bag with Melissa Mortenson | Fat Quarter Shop
This tote bag was featured in a series of tutorials that I did for Fat Quarter Shops YouTube channel.
Bunny Purse Sewing Pattern for the Cricut Maker
This little bag is so fun to stitch up. Included are directions to make the bag with your Cricut Maker or without.
Free Bag Patterns from other Sewing Blogs:
There are so many fabulous sewing blogs out there right now. I can't type up this list without mentioning a few free bag patterns featured on some of my favorite sewing blogs.
DIY Fabric Basket Tote {free sewing pattern}
This tote bag pattern is sturdy and simple to make thanks to the use of stitchable foam. Grab the tutorial over at Sew Can She.
The Scrapyard Tote - free sewing pattern
The perfect scrap buster! You can stitch up this bag in an afternoon.
Kid's Mini Messenger Bag Pattern
Kids love it when they have their own bags! This one is just the right size for them to carry some of their favorite essentials.
Kid's Duffle Bag Pattern-Crazy Little Projects
Pefect for sleepovers!
Flying Geese Patchwork Bag
Grapic and simple this patchwork bag pattern is stunning!
How to Make a Ruffle Duffle Bag
Rachel created this duffle bag for her kids to use for ballet class. It's made from laminate fabric which makes it super easy to clean.
Sew Your Own Reusable Grocery Bag With This Free Pattern
Easy enough to stich up that you can make a few, just in case you need to keep an extra in your car.
SEWING || FREE REVERSIBLE BOX TOTE PATTERN!!!
This tote bag is clever and striking. Grab the pattern over at Very Shannon.
Teacher Lunch Bags featuring Sunnyside Ave fabrics
I'm always looking for fun ideas for teacher gifts!
Heart Backpack Free Pattern
This has got to be one of the cutest bag patterns I've ever seen!
DIY Drawstring Shoulder Bag Tutorial
This tote bag features a drawstring top and a unique scrap fabric band for contrast.
Camera embroidery tote bag
Minki walks you though the steps of creating your own "sketch" using your sewing machine and fabric. So clever!
Sew It - A Fall Plaid Crossbody Bag
Simple and cute! A great beginner sewing project.
Plaid Flannel Fall Tote Bag - Sewing Tutorial
This bag was designed for Fall but I think it would be perfect to use all year.
Bag Patterns that you Can Buy:
As much as I love a free tutorial, sometimes a project is more involved and the best format for it is a paid pattern. The benefit of buying a bag pattern is that there are usually more detailed instructions and more photos. Since I'm a HUGE fan of the Maker movement, I'm always happy to spend a few dollars to support a fellow maker.
Alice Bag Round Handbag Sewing Pattern | Digital PDF Pattern
The Alice bag is one of my very favorite bag patterns. I designed it a few years ago and I've been astounded at how many round bags you see for sale now! Stitch up your own. You can make the bag in 3 different sizes and with a variety of handles or straps.
March Bag Sewing Pattern | Digital PDF Pattern
I'm always losing my phone! This bag pattern features a large kangaroo style pocket to keep essential item close by.
Retro Travel Bag Sewing Pattern | Digital PDF Pattern
This is my "go to" weekend bag. I've made several for myself and it was one of the first bag patterns that I ever wrote! It's roomy, sturdy and perfect for a weekend getaway.
June Bag, Mini Messenger Bag Sewing Pattern | Digital PDF Pattern
The June Bag is a cute mini messenger cross body bag pattern. It's just the right size for exploring a new city and has a back pocket to stash a map or your phone in.
Ruby Lou Child's Bag Sewing Pattern | Digital PDF Pattern
This bag was designed for "little fingers" it does not have any zippers or buttons so young kids can use it easily. There is even a pocket in the front for them to stash their favorite toy!
The Derby Tote Bag Sewing Pattern | Digital PDF Pattern
This is my "go to" simple tote bag pattern. I've made dozens of them over the years. It features 3 different front pocket styles and is beginner friendly.
Range Backpack PDF Pattern - Noodlehead
I've been a big fan of Anna of Noodlehead for a long time. This versatile backpack is one of my favorites of her sewing patterns.
Maker's Tote PDF Pattern
I've had this on my "to make" list for a couple of years ago. It's a cute bag designed to hold all of you "Maker" supplies.
Amy Butler
The OG weekender travel bag pattern. A strudy and adorable weekend bag!
Trace 'n Create Hobo Tote Template Set
This bag is constructed using templates which make cutting it out a breeze!
If you’re new to Bag Making make sure you also check out:
15 Must Know Bag Making Tips & Tricks
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